Saturday, December 31, 2011

MGI announced The Bad, Bold MGI Buffer Video Response Contest back in October and the deadline is upon us; tonight at 11:59 EST will be the last moment to post a video response, so if you haven't entered and you have an MGI Buffer you better get going! You can do it! That pesky deadline snuck up on us so fast we actually put together our entry today! I woke up at 5:00AM and started filming the indoors stuff then at 9:00AM headed outdoors for the rest of the video. We completed filming by 11:00AM and I began editing. By 1:30PM our video was uploaded onto YouTube.

Our video isn't even remotely similar to the other entries that we have seen. We decided to add a bit of dramatic flare and really brought our 'A' Game.... 'A' stands for amateur by the way. It's a little cheesy, but that's the way we like it at RTB.net.

Vote
On Jan 1, 2012 (tomorrow) MGI will post the Top 10 videos on their Facebook Page. We'd love it if you could head on over there and 'like' our video (if you think it's the best). Send your friends too; I'm sure everyone will benefit! Voting will be conducted Jan. 1-13th and the winner will be announced Jan. 19th at SHOT Show.

Friday, December 23, 2011

I've been lusting after a SilencerCo22Sparrow for a while and I am now a step closer to having one. I will have my very own NFA Trust soon and will have access to some fun stuff! Well, I had it all planned out... I knew what .22LR, 5.56mm, and 7.62mm suppressor I was going to get, but now SilencerCo has thrown a wrench into my whole operation. With the announcement of the 556 Saker I may have to reevaluate my decisions.

A Teaser via Email from SilencerCo

SilencerCo says they will reveal their new silencer at SHOT SHOW 2012 (a short 24 days from this writing) and promise a real show stopper:

Introducing you to the most innovative .556 suppressor this industry has ever seen.Silencerco has done it again. Introducing the 556 Saker, Silencerco will have feature sets that are unavailable and unmatched from anyone in the industry. Pushing the envelope, thinking outside the box and all the other cliches does not describe it. Get ready for Superior Silence.

SilencerCo, you can expect some of my hard-earned American Dollars to head your way in the New Year.

In an attempt to keep your insatiable appetites for industry knowledge met; we have created "In Other News" (ION). It will publish each week as a list of links to things that I shared via Facebook or Twitter, but did not post to RTB.net. Enjoy!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

You know Travis Haley needs to have a serious word with you when he sets down his coffee... If you haven't heard Haley Strategic and GlockTriggers.com have teamed up to develop the 'Skimmer Trigger'. The claim is 'a 1911 trigger in your Glock'. Anyone with hands on experience with both pistols knows that their triggers are on different ends of the spectrum and should be skeptical of the claim. It has been a day since the announcement of this wunder-trigger and Travis Haley has made a video in an attempt to demystify the 'Skimmer Trigger' and define it better. I have to admit... I kinda want to try one out.

The 'Skimmer Trigger' is available for Gen 3 Glocks (Gen 4 is in the works) chambered in 9mm, .40S&W, and .357SIG.

TheENHANCED CARRY TRIGGER SYSTEM that gives your Glock the feel of a 1911. Manufactured using 100% Glock factory parts, all of the metal components are individually hand polished to a chrome finish for consistent, reliable action. The mated surfaces glide freely, adding a smooth short transition into a predictable wall. The trigger break is crisp and clean, reducing muzzle movement. This is made possible by our unique pre-travel reduction modification, which is non-adjustable. Multiple inspection points are part of the production process. This system is completely drop-in with no fitting required.

I check in on over 100 blogs a day (at last count) in an attempt to stay on top of this constantly evolving community we like to call 'Gun Culture'. The majority of my reading ends up being opinion pieces, so it was refreshing to find a site that offered cold-hard news relating to everything guns. When I wake up in the morning I grab my coffee and read The Gun Wire.

Famous for their dazzling green lasers, Viridian has released a product they are hoping will be a game changer for citizen and officer alike. They have dubbed their holster and laser/light system 'ECR' or Enhanced Combat Readiness. The video below explains it pretty well.

If you get a chance to check out one of their products I would have to recommend the C5L. It is a green laser/light combo packed with features in a pretty small package.

Friday, December 16, 2011

In an attempt to keep your insatiable appetites for industry knowledge met; we have created "In Other News" (ION). It will publish each week as a list of links to things that I shared via Facebook or Twitter, but did not post to RTB.net. Enjoy!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

The NSSF has been trying to rebrand the AR Platform with the term 'Modern Sporting Rifle' (MSR). If you haven't heard this acronym before; it wouldn't surprise me. In an attempt to market the AR as a sportsman's rifle the NSSF have largely ignored what the rifle is mostly used for: Plinking and Protection. I don't want you to get the wrong idea here; I am not against folks hunting with AR's (I've used a Rock River LAR-8), in fact, they have proven themselves to be a VERY versatile platform; which shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

"I love the idea behind it all. I love the effort to change the dialogue and to control the debate. Words are powerful, and choosing to use certain words instead of others (i.e assault rifle) can have a powerful influence on public opinion. But come on… lets be real… “Modern Sporting Rifle” has not been an effective choice of words.

We threw it up against the wall, but it just didn’t stick.

The biggest problem is that it has just not caught on. I have never, ever heard anyone outside of the firearms industry use this phrase."

This morning before going into work (yes, I have a 'real' job) I read Andrew's take on the matter over at Vuurwapen Blog titled: 'The "Modern Sporting Rifle", Isn't'. In his typical fashion (backed by facts and data points) Andrew lays out his argument that by introducing the rebranding effort of the AR Platform to the 'MSR'; NSSF has only confused the market place by pushing a singular activity the rifle is best suited to perform. Hunting.

After reading Andrew's post and re-reading Eric's this morning I went to work and decided to 'test-drive' the term MSR. I conveniently work at a large retailer of AR Platform Rifles so the introduction of the topic wouldn't be as awkward as if I had worked in a hospital... The first folks I tried it out on looked at me very confused. "What's an MSR?" I pointed at the AR's. The second time I had a gentleman looking for a semi-auto .308WIN, so I suggested he look at a 'Modern Sporting Rifle'. He openly admitted to never having heard the term used before. This basically sums up my experience throughout my day attempting to work 'MSR' into the conversation. Does this mean that NSSF has failed? Not necessarily, but I think we need to stop trying to make the AR out to be your Grandfather's Model 70. The acceptance of the AR Platform will only come with time; just as the acceptance of the Lever, Bolt, and first Semi-Autos did.

It is my opinion that different types of firearms (Muzzle Loaders, Lever, Bolt, and Semi-Auto) are all brought into the 'gun culture' by the generation the receives the greatest benefit from them. EVERY FIREARM we use for any activity have a lineage that can be traced to a military arm. Why do we use variations of military weapons? The obvious reason is because they have been proven in some of the most inhospitable environments on Earth. The not-so-obvious reason for many people is that WE are the military. I don't specifically mean you, perhaps, but your Father and his Father and his Father all brought home their idea of the preferred firearm. More often than not, it was the firearm that protected them and their friends through some very heroing experiences. The rise in popularity and use of the AR Platform shouldn't surprise anyone. It is the recent generations' preferred firearm for all of the same reasons.

So what should we call them?

Why do we need to call them something different? I always like to use my Grandfather's analogy for his shoes:

So, if you see me plinking with my AR; it's my plinking gun. If you see me hunting with my AR; it's my hunting gun and if you read about me defending myself and family with it; it's the tool I've chosen to use in order to preserve the Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness that they deserve.

Friday, December 9, 2011

In an attempt to keep your insatiable appetites for industry knowledge met; we have created "In Other News" (ION). It will publish each week as a list of links to things that I shared via Facebook or Twitter, but did not post to RTB.net. Enjoy!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Ruger has announce yet another addition to their popular SP101 line-up. The new SP101 is the .357MAG version of their .22LR. It is outfitted with a 4" barrel, fiber-optic front sight, and a five round capacity. MSRP: $689

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

I've been asked on several occasions what my favorite cartridge is. To be honest I probably answer it different every single time, but I've always had a love for the modest .22LR. Abundant, accurate, low-recoil, light, and cheap. You can shoot 300 rounds of .22LR in a day and not feel guilty about it.

Many today are looking for a cheaper way to fire their AR Platform guns without the burden of ammunition costs that are associated with 5.56/.223. The marketplace gives us three options:

.22LR 'Drop-In' Conversion

Dedicated .22LR Guns

Dedicated .22LR Upper Assembly

I believe one of the best solutions is the use of a Dedicated .22LR Upper.

Enter the DPMS Dedicated .22LR AP4 Upper AssemblyPanther Arms (DPMS) is a juggernaut in the AR game. Based in St. Cloud, MN they are the second largest AR manufacture in the World. It was only a matter of time before they produced a successful dedicated upper chambered in .22LR. There are two different models to choose from; the Bull Barrel or the AP4 Assembly. Shortly after announcing the manufacture of these new uppers I received a package in the mail. DPMS had sent me one of their AP4 models to test and evaluate.

Uses Carbine Length Two Piece DPMS Glacier Guards (The Hand Guards On These 22 Uppers Can Be Changed To What Ever After Market AR Carbine Length Hand Guards That You Want)

All New Melonite Coated Stainless Bolt Group, With Blowback Operation

Fits Right On To Your Existing AR Small Frame Style Lower Receiver, Will Not Work on 308's Large Frame Lowers

Ships With One 10 Round Black Dog Magazine

MSRP: $425

First Impressions
I unboxed the upper and immediately started looking at the details. Its weight, finish, and overall appearance was that of a standard 5.56/.223 upper, but once I pulled the charging handle and bolt assembly out of the receiver I noticed the differences. DPMS is utilizing a simple blow-back operating system. (simple is good) with a single guide rod and spring there isn't much for the action to get hung up on. They also have decided to adopt the use of the extremely popular and reliable Black Dog Machine Magazines. These magazines are user serviceable and function better than any other .22LR (large capacity) magazines I've used.

Controls
The best part of the Dedicated .22LR Upper is that it will attach to any mil-spec AR-15 Lower Receiver. All you need to do is push two pins and you're good to go. The main reason I like the concept of the upper is that you can utilize your existing (typically tricked-out) lower. I like to have ambidextrous controls on my AR and this upper allows me to retain them when shooting .22LR. There are only a few caveats to this:
First, the upper is using a proprietary charging handle. It is a little shorter due to the fact they don't need to interface with a gas key. Therefore, I can not use a Mech Armor Defense TacOps-1 charging handle. *sad face*
Second, the forward assist is not operational. This really isn't a big deal, as most shooters will never utilize the forward assist on a 5.56/.223 gun, but rim fire ammo can be inconsistent and my need a little help, now and then, to fully seat. Without a forward assist his is remedied by simply charging the gun again.
Third, you can lock the bolt open using the 'ping-pong paddle' but it does not hold it open enough to load a magazine and drop the bolt to load the gun. On the same note; the bolt will lock open after the last round, due to the Black Dog Machine Magazine follower, but once you remove the magazine the bolt will close.

Does It Work?

Hell ya it does! I haven't had this much fun shooting in a long time. My buddies and I were passing this gun back and forth while loading magazines and quickly killed a 500 round bulk pack. Overall, I have put a little over 1,000 rounds through the upper since I received it and have not experienced a single malfunction. I can hear you already, "Ya, whatever you're just saying that." but I'm not kidding. When I first started shooting I expected to encounter a handful of malfunctions (failures to feed/eject and short strokes) due to the general inconsistency of .22LR ammunition; especially since I had chosen nine different loads to put through it at first. I have yet to encounter the need to clear a malfunction. I would chalk this up too two things; the positive extractor on the bolt face and the Black Dog Machine Magazines.

I'm sure you all have encountered someone that claims their gun never jams; I have had several tell me this and I have no reason to doubt them, but guns are simple machines and as such, they all malfunction at some point. If your gun hasn't jammed you need to shoot it more. Apparently, I'll need to shoot more than 1,000 rounds through this upper in order to see it malfunction.

Accuracy
When I sat down to zero the rifle I wasn't overly concerned with making one raged hole. I was looking for an acceptable group at 50 yards, so that I could get out there and slay some tin cans and whatever else showed up in my sights. Using the 4MOA dot provided by the Vortex Strikefire (which completely covered the target at 50') I placed it over the target and pressed the trigger. Below are three ten round groups using Remington, Federal, and Winchester Bulk Packs. I have no doubt that even more accuracy can be squeezed out of this setup if I were to incorporate a magnified optic; especially on top of their Bull Barrel Assembly.

Take Away
With so many new people joining the ranks of the shooting community it only makes sense to start them on one of America's most popular and user friendly rifles. The natural progression of this is to chamber it in an affordable and abundant cartridge so you get the biggest bang for your buck. DPMS has a fantastic vehicle in their Dedicated .22LR Upper Assemblies for introducing a new shooter to the sport or keeping the skills of a seasoned shooter sharp.

Monday, December 5, 2011

In the ocean of AR Platform Rifles the SIG M400 seems like an unfinished design that was ripped off the drawing board and thrown into production.

The M400 has a few innovative features and many tried and true ones, but when I start to get excited about it I am disappointed. What I'm talking about is SIG integrated an ambidextrous magazine release into the lower receiver, which looks great and seems functional, but did nothing else to make it a true ambidextrous gun.

When I saw the ambi-mag release I immediately searched for an ambi-bolt lock/release... but there was none. Ok, well at least they made the simplest ambi convers..... WTF! They didn't even put an ambi-safety selector on the gun! What appears to be built from the ground up as an ambi is not at all. Of course you could always add after-market parts to achieve this, but then why did SIG waste their time on that neat magazine release and not ambi-fy the rest of the controls? I don't know either.

The markings on the receiver are block letters which look great. SIG also added a spring and plunger system to add pressure on the rear 'pin lug' to achieve a tight lock-up between the lower and upper. The QD-Sockets integrated into the receiver is a nice touch too.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

We got our hands on a couple five round polymer magazines for the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle and are pretty impressed. The polymer magazine is lightweight, sturdy, and easy to maintain. I could go on and I will. In addition to being lighter the polymer magazines are a bit shorter than the stock AccurateMAG. The biggest improvement (in my opinion) is the ability to top-off the magazine without having to remove it. The AccuMag is awkward to load and does not allow for top loading while in the gun. Another improvement is that the polymer magazine locks up a lot tighter than the stock magazine. Check out the video below:

Friday, December 2, 2011

In an attempt to keep your insatiable appetites for industry knowledge met; we have created "In Other News" (ION). It will publish each week as a list of links to things that I shared via Facebook or Twitter, but did not post to RTB.net. Enjoy!

The Ruger Single-Ten is the 10 shot version of their Single-Six. Chambered in .22LR the Single-Ten comes standard with Williams adjustable fiber optic sights and hard wood grips. For more info check out Haus of Guns' full review.